In contrast to the relatively large number of chronograph models built by Breitling, the company created comparatively fewer dress style watches. Made with the same care as the chronographs yet seen less often, these vintage Breitling's are sought after by Breitling collector's, watch connoisseurs, and anyone who desires to wear a fine timepiece.
Likely made while World War II was just finishing or had just finished it was completed and ready to offer for sale in 1946.
It has a traditional size for a square watch from the era, though its wide lugs and large dial make it wear larger than its dimensions.
It is all original down to even the winding crown and small seconds. Its case is in excellent condition. Its untouched original dial is in excellent condition with fairly light aging.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. We have timed it on a machine that spins the watch in all directions simulating it being worn on the wrist, and it is keeping very accurate time.
For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new Teju lizard strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a full one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.
Please note: A similar watch is published in Breitling: The History of a Great Brand of Watches 1884 to Present by Benno Richter, 2007, p. 78.
- Manufacturer: Breitling
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Serial no.: 393,236
- Year built: 1946
- Model: Ref. 168
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: 18K rose gold
- Case markings: 393,236, 168, 18K gold
- Case condition: Case condition: Excellent with light wear. It does not appear to have ever been polished. A couple light creases near the lugs have been previously done by a watchmaker to make the case more secure. Light rippling in back from a previous band. Stamping is very clear and underside of the lugs retain their original brushed finish.
- Dimensions: 26mm wide (excluding crown), 33.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Salmon, rose gold applique spherical and Arabic numeral indexes, original and untouched
- Hands: Original, rose gold "lances"
- Jewels: 17 rubies
- Band: Teju lizard , fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, materials, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
- Width between lugs: 17mm
- Crystal type: Mineral glass, mint condition
- Servicing: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of four watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
